Gliding
Gliding
Timeless Youth
December 25, 2022
Christmas
The ice rink at Millennium Park in downtown Chicago was crowded on Christmas Day despite it being extremely cold. One of the coldest Christmas Days ever.
Some skaters were more skilled than others. All of them appeared anxious. Perhaps eager to impress.
Among the skaters were several young men and a young woman, all dressed in dark clothing. Dark slacks, dark jackets, and matching caps. They were military, they explained to an inquisitive stranger, stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes.
Far from home, serving their country, getting a break on Christmas Day. Enjoying the cold. Enjoying their friendship. Celebrating their freedom.
So painfully young, someone thought. Such nice people. So brave. So painfully young.
Why can’t old men be the ones who are sent to war? That was the thought someone had as the heartless winter wind blew across Chicago and the sun considered setting on Christmas Day.
The Christmas young. Always remember the young on a cold day. Remember the ice, the air, the lights, and the Christmas young. Frozen in a forever moment. --TK
Sunday, December 25, 2022